I have one wish
when I’m gone.

That people treat
each other better
than they do now.

That the world
feeds people
better than
they do now.

That the
misunderstood
stand up
for themselves.

That people
don’t lose
themselves
in hate and
celebrate life.

‘Cause life
is precious
The world is
a brotherhood,
and I missed the mark.

Couldn’t find
my place, always
afraid of the dark.

Bullies win, I guess.
That’s how it
always will be.

Sometimes life
hits so hard,
you can’t get up.

I was born
too far in
and too far out.

Never knew myself.
That’s what
this poem’s about.

Just lost
in a sea
of red and blue.

Couldn’t do it
anymore.
Didn’t know how
to fall in line.

Tattooed and bruised
My ego never let me
find a home.

I hope my daughter
finds her place
in this world.

Sadly I could not.
Just lost in a life
less beautiful.

Can’t even play
the chords anymore.
This time I couldn’t
get up from what
was done to me.

The psych ward,
the cold darkness.
I couldn’t get up
from what happened to me.

I wish people live happy
in this world
that is cemented
and fall in line,
join the infantry.

sadly, I have
won the lottery
Just a mistake
from the beginning.

A world of twos
and a world of threes.
Broken I am, broken
I always will be.

Live life
better please.
Do it for me.

Remember
the world
of threes
and the
disease
will only
get better.

After I am gone.
I guess that’s
how it always
has been
and how it
always will be.

 

Jason Wright is the editor and founder of Oddball Magazine. His column appears weekly. His third book, Train of Thought 2: Almost Home is available now at the Oddball Book Store.